. >> reporter: president obama was all smiles at a rally in virginia. the labor department says the economy added 114,000 jobs in september and the unemployment rate dropped from 8.1 to 7.8%. >> the unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level since i took office [ applause and cheers ] >> reporter: but a major drop in unemployment right before the election has some questioning the results. former general electric ceo and mitt romney supporter jack welch went as far as suggesting the obama administration manipulated the report. he tweeted unbelievable jobs numbers. these chicago guys will do anything. can't debate so change numbers. >> reporter: the white house calls welch's insinuation, quote, utter nonsense and most republicans are steering clear of the former ceo's comments including mitt romney. the republican nominee says many of the new jobs are only part time. and that's not what a real recovery looks like. >> even those that have jobs are having tough times. the middle class is being squeezed with higher and higher costs and with incomes tha